What you need to know about coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection

What is COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.

People with coronavirus may experience:

fever

flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue

shortness of breath

How to seek medical attention

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention. If you want to talk to someone about your symptoms first, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice.

Coronavirus Health Information Line

Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You must stay at home to prevent the possible spread of the virus to other people.

Staying home means you:

do not go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university

ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door

do not let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home

do not need to wear a mask in your home, but do wear one if you have to go out (for example to seek medical attention)

should stay in touch by phone and online with your family and friends

Going outside

If you live in a private house, it is safe for you to go into your garden or courtyard. If you live in an apartment or are staying in a hotel, it is also safe for you to go into the garden but you should wear a surgical mask to minimise risk to others. You should also move quickly through common areas.